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Latest update: 2 June 2023
Nantes is the sixth largest city in France. But, frankly, it hardly feels like that. It’s so quiet on the street. So although I don’t have to escape the crowds, I look for two ‘city escapes’ during my stay: Trentemoult and Estuaire.
Lovely Trentemoult
Trentemoult is the fishing village on the other side of the Loire River. By Navibus boat, I set foot on shore in this colorful village after just ten minutes. The fishermen have primarily made way for creative people. Strolling through the narrow streets, I come across the studios of sculptors, painters, and other artists. However, I especially have an eye for the houses: brightly colored, overgrown with plants and flowers, and with many lovely courtyards. What a photogenic village, even with a bit of rain.
Ready for flooding in Trentemoult
Almost all houses can be entered via a staircase due to the many floods in the past. The fishermen could easily reach their homes via the stairs when the river flooded. Some neighbors even connected their attics so they didn’t have to get their boats out to visit. With the construction of the quay, the flooding came to an end.
Art in and around the Loire River
The Estuaire is an art, cultural, and tourist project in one. Since 2007, international artists have been making installations in Nantes, along the Loire River and Saint-Nazaire, to discover the history and present of the cities and the landscapes in between. In total, there are about 30 works of art to admire. Some are out there for several years, others for a shorter period. They can be admired on foot, by bike, or by car, but I opt for a boat trip. You can reserve it here.
Between April and October, you can take a 2.5-hour boat trip from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire. You sail about 60 kilometers on the Loire while seeing 11 works of art.
I take the train back to Nantes in Saint-Nazaire. That seemed like a great plan until I discover the train is a long walk from the port.
Tips for on the Estuaire boat
You can buy a drink on the boat, but the offer is limited. If the temperature is low, make sure you have good warm clothes as you’ll probably want to sit outside to take good pictures. Most of the artworks are on the left. Also the S’erpent d’Ocean. That is the snake you see on almost every brochure, but unfortunately, you only see it on the boat if you bring binoculars. By the way, I’m glad I took an English brochure explaining the installations because only French blares over the loudspeakers. That isn’t easy if you only know the words baguette and fromage.
You can also escape the urban feeling in one of the many parks in the city. Check out the blog: 7 green tips for a city trip in Nantes.
More inspiration for travel in France?
Helpful links for your France trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace for unique camping spots. Rather stay in a hostel? Check out Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. You can find other good options at WithLocals. Check out Freetour and GuruWalk for ‘free’ walking tours, and for bike tours, try Baja Bikes. If you’re into wine: check out all the wine-related activities at Rue des Vignerons.
- Attractions and museums. Book museum and attraction tickets with Tiqets and get a 5% discount with this code: KIMOPREIS22.
- Car rental. Want to compare prices? Check out Discover Cars and Rental Cars.
- Flights. Definitely compare prices! Try Skyscanner and Kiwi.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. When you travel, you could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair has a good option.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and bus. Travel by train to France with NS International, or plan your trip via Trainline. Or find deals on trains and busses in France via Busbud, Omio, or 12Go.
- Travel guides. I love the practical travel guides from Lonely Planet, buy them at Amazon.
- Yoga retreat. And what about a yoga retreat in France?
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission.
I was allowed to join the Marine et Loire boat trip free of charge. It was up to me if and what I’d write about it. No censorship. 🙂
First published: august 2017. The article has been updated since.
